Internet Addiction: The Role of Self-Esteem
and Impulsivity among Undergraduate
Students in Ogun State,Nigeria
Aluko Evelyn Tolulope, Onemu Ufuomanefe Lauretta, and Adeyemo Sunday Oladotun 2022
RATIONALE/RESEARCH GAPS
Internet addiction is increasingly recognized as a concern in Nigeria, yet research on its relationship
with factors like self-esteem, impulsivity, and gender is still limited. While global studies link these
factors to internet addiction, there is a lack of studies specific to Nigerian students. This research aims
to fill that gap by examining how these psychological traits contribute to internet addiction in Nigeria.
RESEARCH PROBLEM HYPOTHESIS
The study explores whether gender influences The study proposes that gender, self-esteem,
internet addiction, how self-esteem and impulsivity and impulsivity will each significantly affect
impact it, and the combined effect of these traits internet addiction. Additionally, it assumes that
on internet addiction among Nigerian self-esteem and impulsivity together will predict
undergraduates. internet addiction, emphasizing their combined
impact on students’ internet use behavior.
RESEARCH METHODS
There were 250 undergraduate students (145 males, 105 females) from two randomly selected
universities in Abeokuta, Ogun State, Nigeria. A cross-sectional survey design was used, combining
random sampling for university selection and convenience sampling for choosing students from various
class levels.
Three standardized instruments were employed: the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (RSES), Barratt
Impulsivity Scale (BIS-11), and the Internet Addiction Test (IAT). Data was analyzed using SPSS version
22, with independent t-tests and multiple regression..
FINDINGS
Demographic factors such as gender, age, religion, and ethnicity did not significantly impact internet
addiction. There were no significant differences in internet addiction between male and female
students. Self-esteem was identified as a significant predictor of internet addiction, with lower self-
esteem being associated with higher levels of addiction. Similarly, impulsivity was found to significantly
influence internet addiction, with higher impulsivity correlating with increased addiction. When
considered together, both self-esteem and impulsivity were significant predictors of internet addiction.
These findings suggest that interventions addressing both self-esteem and impulsivity could be
effective in reducing internet addiction among undergraduates.
CONCLUSION SUGGESTIONS/RECOMMENDATIONS
Internet addiction affects both genders equally. School administrators and policymakers should
The study identifies self-esteem and impulsivity as implement awareness programs and initiatives like
key predictors, with lower self-esteem and higher "Safe Trips" to educate students on the symptoms
impulsivity increasing addiction levels. Addressing and consequences of internet addiction.
these factors can be crucial in managing and Additionally, school counselors should conduct
reducing internet addiction. workshops to boost self-esteem, as it is a
protective factor against addiction.
INSIGHTS
Recognizing how self-esteem and impulsivity influence internet addiction emphasizes the need for
targeted interventions. Strengthening self-esteem and promoting responsible internet use are
important steps in mitigating addiction. Schools and institutions can play a critical role by offering
awareness programs that educate students about the risks and consequences of excessive internet
use, along with workshops designed to build self-esteem. These efforts can empower students to
make healthier online choices and manage their internet habits more effectively. This approach
highlights that addressing internet addiction involves fostering personal development and providing
practical guidance on technology use.
Tolulope, A. E., Lauretta, O. U., & Oladotun, A. S. (2022). Internet Addiction: The Role of Self-esteem and Impulsivity among
undergraduate students in Ogun state, Nigeria. NIU Journal of Social Sciences, 8(4), 109-118. https://doi.org/10.58709/niujss.v8i4.1545
